Toward an integrated curriculum of systems, controls, and machinery

Development and the continuing trend in the global economy, increasing competition, and the information industry have changed the skill requirements of a competitive work force. Consequently, engineering students must be aware of contemporary practice in a much broader sense. Specifically, students who desire to pursue their career in the control related areas such as manufacturing and automation must have a strong multidisciplinary background in theory, design, devices, and instrumentation. The paper presents issues and concerns regarding the changes needed in order to face the challenge. This paper also describes efforts in curriculum and laboratory development in the areas of systems, controls, and machinery at the University of Central Florida.